EVERYDAY LIFE OF ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT IN THE LIGHT OF AGNES HELLER: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the everyday life of adolescents and young people with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Method: a qualitative research study of the Single Case Study type developed in a Renal Clinic from southern Brazil. Eight adolescents and young people aged between 18 and 24 years old undergoing hemodialysis treatment from February 5th, 2021, to January 26th, 2022. Data production was through semi-structured interviews, data from electronic medical records and participant observation through data triangulation. The observation was based on a script and field diary. The data were submitted to inductive thematic analysis and interpreted in the light of Agnes Heller's concept of everyday life. Results: the everyday life of adolescents and young people experiencing chronic kidney disease is impacted from the moment they receive the diagnosis until they understand their health situation. The changes imposed by the treatment and maintenance of the care measures have repercussions as limits faced in their everyday life. As for self-care, the major concern refers to the laboratory test levels. Conclusion: the everyday life of adolescents and young people on hemodialysis is permeated by unique changes in their existence and the construction of their own identity, added to the impact of the disease and the new condition imposed by the treatment. It is believed that the time they remain at the Clinic constitutes a strategy for health education, meeting the needs for diverse information about their chronic condition and treatment and contributing to the externalization of their humanity as a whole in this everyday routine.